How to Decide on a First Pet for Your Child

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Wait until your child expresses an interest in getting a pet.

   If you bring something home for them before they mention it, there's a very good chance that they'll be disinterested, and you've just given yourself a new pet to care for.
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   Step 2: Discuss the animal in question with your child.

   If you're not willing to have certain animals around, then make sure that you provide some alternative suggestions. , Public libraries have hundreds of animal care books.
   
   For the latest publications, browse the Pet section at a book store. , There may be complicated elements of its care and feeding that you weren't initially aware of, which often makes the difference between suitable and not suitable. , Explain your expectations, so you can be sure that they're understood. ,, Are they active, eating and drinking? Are their eyes bright and clear? Are the cages clean and free of excessive droppings? , Your child(ren) will protest
   - this is their big moment, and they want to buy something right that minute. ,, Some pet stores purchase animals from "puppy-mills" (or their equivalent for other animals) where the animals may not receive adequate exercise and care.
   
   Pet store animals can also be harder to house train (they're used to "going" in their cage).
   
   Research the type of animal you are looking for and find a reputable breeder or consider adopting a pet from your county animal shelter or the SPCA.
   
   At the very least, find out where the pet store gets there animals from and then do some research on their supplier before supporting them. , As the parent, you always have veto power for things that are too expensive or inappropriate, but don't forget this is their pet. ,,, The TickleMe Plant is easy to grow and will close its 
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   Step 3: Research the different possibilities together with your child.

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   Step 4: Read up on whichever pet you both decide on

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   Step 5: before you buy it.

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   Step 6: Set limits and rules regarding the care of the pet ahead of time.

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   Step 7: Discuss your budget before you walk into the shop - there are SO MANY fun things for pets available

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   Step 8: that your excited child will want to buy all of them.

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   Step 9: Examine the animals' condition in the store: Do all of the animals for sale look healthy?

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    Step 10: Leave the shop and try another location

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    Step 11: if you see any signs of illness or poor care.

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    Step 12: Explain that the store only had sick pets

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    Step 13: and that you will go immediately to one that has happy

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    Step 14: healthy animals.

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    Step 15: Better yet

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    Step 16: do not go to a traditional pet store at all.

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    Step 17: Let your child choose the appropriate accessories and the actual animal him/herself.

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    Step 18: Help set everything up once you get home

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    Step 19: and make sure the cage (if there is one) is assembled properly.

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    Step 20: Enjoy watching you child's first steps toward growing and learning new skills.

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    Step 21: One fun first pet is the pet TickleMe Plant.

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    Step 22: leaves and lowers its branches when you Tickle it.

Detailed Guide

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